… THE RACE
In the Bible, our life on earth is often compared to a race in which we take part. We enter into this race the moment we accept Jesus into our lives as Saviour and Lord.

So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way… and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. (Heb 12:1 GNB)
… let us keep on running in the way which is marked out for us. (Heb 12:1 BBE)
… and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. (Heb 12:1 ESV)

PREPARATION
To run in this race we have to prepare well. When an athlete prepares for a race, he denies himself certain things, he follows a special diet, and he exercises constantly.

And every man who takes part in the sports has self-control in all things. (1Cor 9:25 BBE)
Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline. (1Cor 9:25 GNB)
I'm staying alert and in top condition. (1Cor 9:27 MSG)

To run well in God's race we need to say "no" to certain things in our lives, we have to make changes according to His Word. We can no longer have a love for money, be greedy, worship idols, steal, cheat, lie, swear or gossip, no lust or indecency can be part of our lives. We have to be sober, free from sexual immorality, not addicted to anything (see 1 Cor 6:9, Col 3:5)
… we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. (Heb 12:1 GW)
No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. (Heb 12:1 MSG)

TRAINING
All good athletes train hard. (1Cor 9:25 MSG)
Everyone who enters an athletic contest goes into strict training. (1Cor 9:25 GW)
I harden my body with blows and bring it under complete control. (1Cor 9:27 GNB)
Train to have love, joy, peace, a quiet mind, to do kind acts, to have faith, gentle behaviour and control over desires. (See Gal 5:22-23)
Our training includes to "be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances". (1Thess 5:16-18 GNB)

THE RIGHT CLOTHING
To take part in God's race we have to be dressed appropriately.
Now you're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. (Col 3:10 MSG)
"I have taken away your sin and will give you new clothes to wear" (Zechariah 3:4 GNB).
"He dressed me up in a suit of salvation, He outfitted me in a robe of righteousness" (Isaiah 61:10 MSG)

KEEP TO THE RULES
No one wins an athletic contest without obeying the rules. (2Tim 2:5 CEV)
The rules for God's race is set out in the Bible - study the rules and apply them everyday!
And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed. (Jos 1:8 MSG)
Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it. (Phil 3:16 MSG)

WE HAVE A GUIDE
The Holy Spirit is our guide.
Then I will ask the Father to send you the Holy Spirit who will help you and always be with you. The Spirit will show you what is true. (Joh 14:16-17 CEV)

WE HAVE A COACH
Remember that the coach will be strict, He will correct you and push you to your limits, because He wants you to do well in the race.

"My child, pay attention when the Lord corrects you, and do not be discouraged when He rebukes you. Because the Lord corrects everyone He loves, and punishes everyone He accepts as a child." (Heb 12:5-6 GNB)

THE PRIZE
The prize to be won in God's race is an eternal prize, a gold medal that will not fade, a crown of glory that is reserved for us in heaven - yes, the prize is eternal life.
Run your best in the race of faith, and win eternal life for yourself. (Tim 6:12 GNB)
… you will receive the glorious crown which will never lose its brightness. (1Pet 5:4 GNB)
… you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
(1Pet 5:4 GW)
And now there is waiting for me the victory prize of being put right with God. (2Tim 4:8 GNB)

RUN TO WIN - KEEP STRIVING FOR THE PRIZE
In God's race you cannot fail if you run well. There is room for all to get the prize. The one who keeps within the limits prescribed, and keeps on in his race will never miss his crown.
Don't be afraid of what you are going to suffer… Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Rev 2:10 GW)
I keep striving to win the prize. (Phil 3:12 GNB)
So I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize. (Phil 3:14 GNB)
I run toward the goal, so that I can win the prize of being called to heaven. (Phil 3:14 CEV)
I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! (1Cor 9:26 MSG)

KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE FINISHING LINE, KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS
It is important not to get distracted or discouraged along the way; always focus on the winning post - remember: your goal is to end well.

I don't run without a goal. (1Cor 9:26 CEV)
So I do not run aimlessly. (1Cor 9:26 ESV)
That is why I run straight for the finish line. (1Cor 9:26 GNB)
Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how He did it. Because He never lost sight of where He was headed. (Heb 12:2 MSG)
Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up….. see things from His perspective. (Col 3:2 MSG)
Put your mind on your life with God. The way to life - to God! - is vigorous and requires your total attention. (Luke 13:24 MSG)

DON'T LOOK BACK
Everybody knows that to look back when you run in a race, will slow you down or can cause you to stumble or fall.
Of course, my friends, I really do not think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead. (Phil 3:13 GNB)

NEVER QUIT
Never quit from God's race, or turn back to your own racetrack, no matter what may happen or how you may feel. God will give you endurance and patience to keep going. "His glorious power will make you patient and strong enough to endure anything, and you will be truly happy". (Col 1:11 CEV)
… we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running - and never quit! (Heb 12:1 MSG)
I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back. (Phil 3:14 MSG)